Creating A Healthy Future

The cases of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer throughout Spartanburg were staggering before PAL: Play. Advocate. Live Well. was founded in 2003. In response, PAL’s founders organized the Criterium (CRIT), an annual, closed-circuit professional bike race to draw enthusiasts from near and far to downtown Spartanburg to celebrate and prioritize health and wellness at one of Spartanburg’s largest community celebrations, Spring Fling. 

The event, which is expected to draw over 20,000 spectators and 300 participants from around the world, is one of six races in a circuit that spans the Southeast, drawing high caliber cyclists pedaling for prizes. Last year, race participants represented 23 states and 13 countries.

Laura Ringo, PAL’s executive director, said that the CRIT race has earned Spartanburg a bicycle-friendly status from the League of American Bicyclists in 2007.

“We felt that there was significant value in having a professional sporting event that made health, wellness, and riding a bike look cool,” Ringo said. “The CRIT is part of downtown’s biggest event, and Spartanburg has embraced health and wellness as a value and the community rallies around it.”

Together We Strive

For almost every year since the event started, Milliken has sponsored the event through catering food and refreshments at its designated tent. Anne McCraw, Milliken’s Corporate Communications, Events, and Community Relations Manager and a PAL board member said that Milliken is proud to sponsor local events like the CRIT that elevate community wellness as a priority.

“PAL’s mission is aligned with Milliken’s value of building a healthier tomorrow,” McCraw said. “Milliken associates love to come to our tent to watch the races. It’s always a fun time.” 

What makes the CRIT so unique is the crowd of spectators. Milliken is one of over 100 local sponsors that show up to watch the races, marking Spartanburg as a stand-out stop on the race circuit.

“It really is a big gathering of the Spartanburg community, especially of the business community, which makes the CRIT so unique,” Ringo said. “You don't often see that level of spectator participation. Cyclists tell us all the time that this is their favorite race and one of the best in the country because the crowd is so energetic and loud.”

In its 20^th year as an organization, PAL continues to improve community health and wellness through fun community events like the CRIT.

“In Spartanburg, healthy living comes naturally,” Ringo shared from PAL’s vision statement. “It is fun, easy, and safe because we are connected to our community, to each other, and to the nature that surrounds us. We embrace our wonderful quality of life.”

To learn more about the Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation, click here.